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Monday, December 14, 2015

Having Endurance and I'M A FINALIST FOR WRITERS DIGEST

You'll notice I've been slacking off a bit on this here blog. (This isn't an apology post...I hate those.) I've been doing a lot of thinking and growing in the last few weeks. It has been a really important time for me as a writer. But this blog is also a really important thing to me, and I've missed it, and we're going to get back on track here. In a real, sustainable way I think.

I've noticed so much lately how there are really only two things a writer needs. These two things will guarantee your success. Every time.

Those two things are endurance, and a willingness to learn.

My thoughts about my own writing have really changed the last month or so. In a good way. I've been shown areas I thought were weak and told they are strong, and areas I thought were strong, and shown all their holes. I believe my writing has improved more over the last few months than it has in a while.

Get people around you who will be honest with you. That's the first thing. Find a way to get consistent feedback. That has been one of the most valuable parts of the MFA program. Second, set yourself a schedule, and STICK to it. Get those words in. And more then that, set up a submissions schedule too. Whether its one a day or one a week or whatever, do your submissions. Use sites like Newpages and Duotrope to help you out. They're invaluable. If you just keep going, YOU WILL SUCCEED.

Want a case study? I really don't know how this happened, but I've been submitting to Writers Digest Your Story competitions for years, and this time around, I got picked as a finalist. This is actually where I ask for your help. The finalist with the most votes gets published in Writers Digest. So if you can head over and vote for Entry A. It has Dragons.

Anyway, how is the writing going for all you guys? What projects are you working on?

I tried, but you have to register first. When I tried to do that, I couldn't, because although it let you choose a country, the compulsory selection of state remained firmly in the U.S! It must be a glitch, but I don't know how to fix it unless there's someone on the site to contact. I wouldn't mind joining, it looks useful. But not now. Good luck, anyway, and congrats on reaching the finals. I like the way you thought of the way people describe the life of battery hens - and sow stalls - and applied it so well to dragons.

I absolutely love hearing from you! Thank you so, so much for your thoughts and comments, they really do make my day. Consider yourself awesome. Also, I do my best to respond to every comment within 24 hours, so I invite you to come back and continue the conversation :)